Black Letter Days

Amazon.com
"I could make albums all day," boasts the rotund Frank Black in the cover letter accompanying Black Letter Days. He's not kidding. Like fellow '80s post-punk icons Paul Westerberg and Bob Mould, Black has relaxed his production values and become ridiculously prolific. Between this album and the simultaneously released Devil's Workshop, he's pushed out 29 fresh songs, with each session recorded live to a two-track tape amid minimal fuss. Much of the spark that once made the Pixies one of Kurt Cobain's most beloved bands has evaporated. But it has been replaced by an efficient, workmanlike approach that yields the kind of raw, rowdy rockers the Pixies were turning out in their early days. The pedal-steel-swathed "Valentine and Garuda" and brusque country rock of "Jet Black River" provide some of the most satisfying moments of Black's solo years. With a hard-nosed producer and some serious editing, there's no doubt that Black would have another classic album on his hands. In the meantime, Black Letter Days and Devil's Workshop will do. --Aidin Vaziri

Black Letter Days,Frank Black & the Catholics,Spin Art,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter,United States of America

Black Letter Days

Average customer rating:

You like The Band?Let It Be? BUY Black Letter Days
my favortie break-up album
I Can't believe this guy
Rockin album
FRANK BACK ON FORM

Black Letter Days
Frank Black & The Catholics
Manufacturer: Spin Art
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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General | Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Devil's Workshop
Show Me Your Tears
Pistolero
Frank Black and the Catholics
Dog in the Sand

ASIN: B00006BSUX
Release Date: 2002-08-20

Tracks:

The Black Rider
California Bound
Chip Away Boy
Cold Heart of Stone
Black Letter Day
Valentina & Garuda
How You Went so Far
End of Miles
1826
The Farewell Bend
Southbound Bevy
I will run after you
True Blue
Jane the Queen of Love
Jet Black River
21 Reasons
Whispering Weeds
Black Rider

Amazon.com

"I could make albums all day," boasts the rotund Frank Black in the cover letter accompanying Black Letter Days. He's not kidding. Like fellow '80s post-punk icons Paul Westerberg and Bob Mould, Black has relaxed his production values and become ridiculously prolific. Between this album and the simultaneously released Devil's Workshop, he's pushed out 29 fresh songs, with each session recorded live to a two-track tape amid minimal fuss. Much of the spark that once made the Pixies one of Kurt Cobain's most beloved bands has evaporated. But it has been replaced by an efficient, workmanlike approach that yields the kind of raw, rowdy rockers the Pixies were turning out in their early days. The pedal-steel-swathed "Valentine and Garuda" and brusque country rock of "Jet Black River" provide some of the most satisfying moments of Black's solo years. With a hard-nosed producer and some serious editing, there's no doubt that Black would have another classic album on his hands. In the meantime, Black Letter Days and Devil's Workshop will do. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

You like The Band?Let It Be? BUY Black Letter Days.......2007-07-10

I hadn't bought a Frank Black record since the one with "Hang On To Your Ego" and "Los Angeles", but something about the packaging told me I should buy "Black Letter Days". I picked up "Devil's Workshop" as well just because it was released on the same day. I seem to be one of those rare people that INSTANTLY loved this record. In 2002, I had just moved to LA from Texas feeling kinda lost and uncertain and was listening to alot of the 3 "B's" - The Beach Boys, The Band and The Byrds. This record was my companion at night during those long drives down the PCH. It didn't leave my car for over a year. I STILL listen to it on every road trip.Take The beach boys, The Band and The Byrds, throw in The Beatles' "Let It Be" and Rolling Stone's "Let It Bleed", make a mix tape from them and you'll get an idea about what "Black Letter Days" sounds like. I swear, this record is IMPORTANT. I think like Neil Young's "Tonight's The Night", critics and fans will be praising it more as time goes by. People will ask themselves why they didn't appreciate it when it was released - when they had a chance to see these songs played live. I have bought this record for so many friends. BUY THIS ALBUM. YOU NEED IT!

my favortie break-up album.......2005-03-14

something the other reviewers didn't mention is how amazing this is to listen to with a broken heart. 'cold heart of stone', 'chip away boy', 'how you went so far', and 'i will run after you' in particular i listened to over and over and over. what a great album to put on while you wallow in self-pity!

I Can't believe this guy.......2003-11-26

Seriously...How can an artist/band write albums that seem so boring or even horrible the first listen and then slowly become a gem in your record collection forever? Seriously! Everytime! Thats what happens with Frank Black albums everytime i get one! So, BE WARNED! This album will take time. But trust me, it's awesome. It is an amazing album. Buy it, and give it time.

Rockin album.......2003-10-28

Frank Black does still rock. This might not be quite as good as some of his earlier work but it's still better than most stuff I hear these days. There are some really great songs on here. The reason why I only give it 4 stars because there are some less memorable ones too.

FRANK BACK ON FORM.......2003-10-10

In the uk this CD got slated in the review columns of the music press, they didn't like the fact that he released it at the same time as the devils work shop.They went on about quality and quantity, because of this I put off buying this cd ,and when I heard the end of miles on the radio I had to buy it. This is the best thing frank black has done since teenager of the year ,with great songs like THE BLACK RIDER , CALIFORNIA BOUND AND 21 REASONS.highly recommended so buy it!